Travel to South Korea — everything you need to know
When to go to South Korea?
- April – May — Cherry blossoms : Cherry blossoms (beotkkot) bloom from Jeju to Seoul. Ideal temperatures (15–22 °C), enchanting scenery.
- September – November — Korean autumn : The forests turn red and gold. Breathtaking hiking in the national parks (Seoraksan, Jirisan).
- December – February — Winter & Skiing : Ski resorts in Pyeongchang and Vivaldi Park, ice festivals and Christmas lights in Seoul.
Weather in South Korea
Check the weather city by city, starting with Seoul.
- Séoul: daytime highs from 2 to 30 °C depending on the season, 118 mm of rain per month on average.
- Busan: daytime highs from 8 to 30 °C depending on the season, 132 mm of rain per month on average.
- Jeju: daytime highs from 9 to 30 °C depending on the season, 125 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in South Korea?
South Korea fascinates with its ability to blend age-old tradition with hyper-connected modernity. Dynastic palaces, Buddhist temples in the mountains, unique cuisine (bibimbap, barbecue, kimchi), K-pop and pop culture make it an unforgettable destination.
Séoul
A metropolis of 10 million people where Joseon-era palaces stand alongside skyscrapers. Street food, K-pop, Bukchon hanoks and shopping in Myeongdong.
Highlights : Gyeongbokgung — Joseon royal palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwangjang Market, Namsan.
Gyeongju
Former capital of the Silla kingdom for a thousand years, nicknamed the 'museum without walls'. Royal burial mounds, Buddhist temples and the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa temple.
Highlights : Temple Bulguksa, Seokguram Grotto, Daereungwon burial mounds park, Anapji — night-lit pond.
Busan
Korea's second city, a dynamic port with urban beaches, the Jagalchi fish market and the colourful Gamcheon village.
Highlights : Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae Beach, Temple Haedong Yonggungsa.
Jeju Island
A volcanic island off the south coast, home to Mount Hallasan (Korea's highest peak), lava cliffs and black or white sand beaches.
Highlights : Mount Hallasan, Cheonjiyeon Falls, Jusangjeolli coast, Manjanggul — lava tube cave.
Travel budget for South Korea
South Korea is moderately expensive, close to European levels in the cities. Street food and neighbourhood restaurants remain very affordable.
- Backpacker : 40–65 €/j — Guesthouse + street food + public transport
- Comfort : 90–150 €/j — Comfortable hotel + mid-range restaurants + activities
- Luxury : 250 €+/j — 5★ hotel + fine dining + premium experiences
Practical tips for travelling to South Korea
- Flight from Paris : ~11h direct (Korean Air, Air France)
- Visa : No visa required for French citizens (90 days)
- Currency : Korean won (₩) — ATM withdrawal or exchange bureau
- Language : Korean — English common in tourist areas
- Electricity : Type C/F — 220V (same as France)
- Mobile network : Prepaid SIM at the airport, 5G available everywhere
- Tap water : Drinkable throughout the country
- Health : No mandatory vaccines, excellent hospitals
Compare South Korea with other destinations